Gov. Phil Bryant brought his statewide pep talk on jobs and growth to Southaven, offering a group of local business and elected leaders statistics that show the state is making steady and verifiable progress in growing its economy and its image.

The Commercial Appeal reported that the governor's Wednesday visit was one of the final stops on his Mississippi Works tour, a seven-city road show highlighting business accomplishments.

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Bryant said Mississippi had a gross domestic product of $100 billion in 2012.

He said a national study found Mississippi the No. 1 state in which to practice medicine for two consecutive years.

Jim Flanagan, president of the DeSoto County Economic Development Council, said the area is "hot" for job growth, thanks in part to the coming Interstate 269 loop through the area.